Home Secretary Sajid Javid speaks to frontline police officers in Durham visit

Mr Javid travelled to the force’s Aykley Heads headquarters where he was met by Deputy Chief Constable Jo Farrell and Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg.

The Home Secretary was shown how Durham - which has been rated as the top performing force in the country - is preventing cybercrime and tackling serious and organised crime, and met a number of frontline officers.

He was also introduced to officers, navigators and service users on the Checkpoint scheme, which aims to reduce the number of victims of crime by reducing reoffending.

The scheme offers those charged with offences usually dealt with by magistrates the chance to avoid a criminal conviction by making amends to the community and their victims.

DCC Farrell said: “I am delighted that we have been able to share some of our innovative work with the Home Secretary and highlight where gaps in legislation are exploited by organised criminals."

Police, Crime and Victims' Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “I was pleased to welcome the Home Secretary to Durham today, and to talk about the innovative work that is happening to reduce reoffending and support vulnerable people.

“I also raised concerns about the reduction in resources in the past few years, and the pressure that this is putting on officers, and I asked for Government departments to work together more closely to make it easier to reduce reoffending.”